Life lessons as told by the Beatles

I guess I'm one of those Beatles obsessed people with portraits of Paul and the boys above my headboard (I wish I was kidding) and Beatles vinyls that outnumber all the other artists I have, combined. But obsessed or not, listening to the Beatles enough will undoubtedly draw you to inspiration and a little self realization through their music (damn it, I can already hear my inner 70's vibes coming out). So here are just a few lyrics from the good ol' boys that speak some truth and provide a life lesson or two.

1. "You're asking me will my love grow, I don't know, I don't know." Something
Uncertainty. That mutually pesky and invigorating reality of life. The beauty of uncertainty lies in the potential there within. A spark of interest, whether in a relationship, a passion, or a plan, can grow into a glorious spectacle. Or, it may not. But there's just something about taking that chance.

2. "Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book? It took me years to write, will you take a look?" Paperback Writer
I know what people are thinking when I tell them I'm a writer or into journalism or anything of the sort. Their half smile and affirming nod are actually saying, huh, good luck with that. And trust me, I realize it's not practical. The field's shrinking, major publications are letting go of great writers and writers pursuing an online forum are just becoming indifferentiable from the white noise around them. But writing is what I love and I have to pursue it. Impractical or not, I'm just hoping that someone takes a look. The practicality of your passion isn't what matters;  what matters is the pursuit.

3. "I look at the world and I notice it's turning" While My Guitar Gently Weeps
I've become someone who's seemingly always on the move, and maybe that's because I like it that way. When I slow down, the world seems to swirl around me in its enormity, reminding me that the turning doesn't stop. The world doesn't slow while we catch our breath or seek clarity. It just keeps turning. So maybe it's best to keep right on moving with it.

4. "There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be." All You Need Is Love
Certain lessons are easier than others. And this one's particularly tough for me. I have learned to stop settling, but sometimes I get a little too consumed in looking forward. I get so caught up in the where-I'm-meant-to-be's and the what-I'm-meant-to-do's, that I'm not always present where I am. It's great to move, but sometimes it's okay to just enjoy the place and people surrounding you before you take off.

5. "What would you think if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me?" With A Little Help From My Friends
It's all about the company you keep. There are plenty of people out there who will cause you to second guess yourself, so be around those who believe in you and your passions. The people who count will accept you at your best and worst; and join in on your out of key chorus.

6. "You say you got a real solution, well, you know, we'd all love to see the plan" Revolution
Finding a cause isn't the problem these days. Everyone seems to have an opinion, but no one is really doing anything about the opinions they have. It's become far too easy to be an at home supporter, tweeting your thoughts and sharing articles on Facebook. We need a generation that takes the initiative to really know what they're supporting, to research it and try to do something about it.

7. "I read the news today, oh boy. About a lucky man who made the grade... He blew his mind out in a car. He didn't notice that the lights had changed." A Day in the Life
I realize this isn't a pretty lyric, but I guess that's rather the point. The Beatles certainly have their skipping through lilac fields kinda songs, but no album goes without a taste of reality amidst the sweet taste of carefree dreaming and loving.  Life isn't always pretty. Even those lucky enough to make the grade in this life aren't without troubles of their own. I struggle more than I let people see, so I must assume others are struggling more than they let on as well.

8. "Take a sad song and make it better." Hey Jude
I realize this song is practically a cliche itself these days, but that doesn't change the truth at its heart. I can always be comforted that no matter how sad my melody may seem, I always have the power to change the tune. Each day is a step forward. A step toward a happier song.